Nesbitt legislation affirms powers of state auditor general and increases transparency

March 12, 2019March 12, 2019

LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Aric Nesbitt on Tuesday introduced legislation that would ensure the Michigan auditor general’s office has access to necessary records for audits.

“The office of the auditor general has a constitutional mandate to audit the executive branch,” said Nesbitt, R-Lawton. “This bipartisan legislation affirms the authority of the auditor general and increases transparency in order to enhance state government accountability and efficiency.”

Senate Bill 201 would amend Public Act 1 of 2003, which provides for the audit and examination of the state and state funds. The bill would clarify that the office of the auditor general (OAG) can access confidential information, including electronic records, during an audit of an executive branch agency.

The bills were designed to ensure that the OAG has access to records allowing them to hold the executive branch accountable for how our tax dollars are spent, examine how agencies comply with the law and determine the efficiency with which state government is operating.